Cannabis Compounds May Reverse Fatty Liver Disease

New research suggests that CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol), non-psychoactive compounds found in cannabis, may hold the key to reversing fatty liver disease, known medically as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This condition is the most common chronic liver disorder globally, often linked to obesity and metabolic issues.

In a study involving obese mice, CBD and CBG were observed to reprogram liver metabolism, prompting the organ to utilize an alternative energy-buffering system. This intervention led to increased phosphocreatine levels and enhanced lysosomal activity, improving the liver's capacity to manage fat buildup and reducing inflammation and insulin resistance.

Beyond liver health, the treated mice experienced broader systemic benefits. These included lowered cholesterol levels and reduced body fat mass, indicating that the compounds fundamentally altered how the body stores and utilizes energy, even while maintaining a high-fat diet. The findings suggest a potential new therapeutic avenue for MASLD, a condition for which pharmacological treatments are currently lacking.